Shopsmith tubes

[76tram]

I have not used my shopsmith for a long time but I would like to get back into woodworking with my shopsmith....

The problem is that the 4 aluminum tubes on my Shopsmith have become rusty.I have tried several products to remove the rust but with no success
I do not want to use SOS pads....

Does anyone know of a good product that will get rid of the rust????

Thank You

76tram

[danboron]

I recently bought a 20 year old shop smith in good shape accept for the rust.

I used Zep Rust remover dip. It worked wonderfully for anything I could submerge, and things like my rods, jointer table and fence, etc, I wiped it on and the rust lifted without much effort. Yes in some places I did use a 220 grit wet sandpaper but it did beautifully waxes back up to a shine.

[charlese]

Hi Guys! - Welcome to posting on the Forum. Hope to read more from you in the future. Feel free to jump in on any thread! Seems we are a friendly bunch!

76tram - before you begin the rust removal project I recommend you click on the "search" word (on the red line above). Type in the word "rust" and go to reading. There have been many discussions concerning rust problems. You might as well read a little of other's rusty issues. I know nothing about Zep and it may work very well for you as it did for danboron, however there are other methods available.

Here is a link to one of the Threads from searching for "rust". It's good - especially the last post, by Nick. http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthread.htm?t=583&page=2

P.S. Don't forget to edit your personal information to show something of your location in the world. You might find a Shopsmith owner near you that you can help, or vice-versa. If you are uncomfortable about your town, something like Western Kentucky will work!

Best Wishes!

[8iowa]

76:

Check out "Shopsmith" on eBay. Bench and Way tubes are frequently listed and they are usually sold at reasonable cost. Some of them are from almost new machines that have been parted out.

[calcan]

I have used Evaporust. Autozone carried it. It is a dip and removed all the rust from fasteners, lathe centers and small wheel assembly parts.

I am going to try a gel product for larger parts like the way tubes. It is called 'Rust Bomb Rust Remover Gel' distributed by the same company I believe. Does anyone have experience with this ?

For some of the middle size parts, such as the rods on the wheel assemblies. I did use electrolysis. You can get fancy, but I just followed information on instructables website. Rebar, bucket of water with laundry detergent and a battery charger.

Evaporust produced better results than the electrolysis. Electrolysis removed the rust and left a black layer which comes off with mild scrubbing. The chemical rust removal just required a rinse which might be optional.

Good luck !